Average
#1915 of 2,463 schools in NJ
James J Ferris High School
High School · Jersey City Public Schools
35 COLGATE ST, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Enrollment
1,345
Student-Teacher
14.3:1
Score
5.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,345
Student-Teacher
14.3:1
Score
5.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Jersey City
#33 of 44
public schools
New Jersey high schools
#330 of 422
In district
#29 of 39
Jersey City Public Schools
Academic growth
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About James J Ferris High School
James J Ferris High School serves 1,345 students in grades 9-12 in Jersey City's Hudson County. With 94 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14.3:1, providing opportunities for more individualized attention in the classroom. The school currently has significant room for academic growth, with 26% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 6% reaching proficiency in mathematics across grade levels.
These results place Ferris High School at #2374 out of 2,475 New Jersey high schools, indicating the school is working to better serve its diverse student population and improve educational outcomes. Interestingly, James J Ferris High School sits in one of Jersey City's most affluent neighborhoods, where the median household income reaches $165,235 and nearly 79% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The surrounding area features a median home value of $862,800 and maintains a low poverty rate of just 7.3% among its 53,237 residents.
This contrast between the school's academic performance and its prosperous surroundings suggests complex dynamics at play in the educational landscape. The school operates within Jersey City's large urban environment, serving families across various socioeconomic backgrounds while working to maximize student potential and achievement.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at James J Ferris High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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James J Ferris High School — Students at James J Ferris High School score 16% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 28%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
61.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2023-24)
Based on 8 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.9/10.
How James J Ferris High School Compares
See how James J Ferris High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 4% (2019) to 6% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 23% (2019) to 26% (2022).
Location
35 COLGATE ST, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering James J Ferris High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Dr Ronald McNair High School (rated 8.3/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is County Prep High School (rated 8.0/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Academy of Technology Design (rated 4.1/10, 0.3 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Jersey City, see our Jersey City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 0.8 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 07302 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$166,854
Median Home Value
$853,700
Median Rent
$2,960/mo
Population
55,448
College Educated
80%
Homeownership
24.3%
Avg Commute
37.1 min
Poverty Rate
7.1%
Median Age
34.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding James J Ferris High School has a median household income of $166,854. It is a well-educated community where 80% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $853,700, with a median rent of $2,960/month. The local poverty rate of 7.1% is relatively low. The average commute in the area is 37 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Barnegat High School Barnegat, NJ | 5.0 |
| Ewing High School Ewing, NJ | 5.0 |
| Hamilton West-Watson Hamilton, NJ | 5.0 |
| Pemberton Township High School Pemberton, NJ | 5.0 |
| Jackson Liberty High School Jackson, NJ | 5.1 |
| Lincoln High School Jersey City, NJ | 4.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about James J Ferris High School
What grades does James J Ferris High School serve?
James J Ferris High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend James J Ferris High School?
James J Ferris High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,345 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at James J Ferris High School?
The student-teacher ratio at James J Ferris High School is 14.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does James J Ferris High School rank in NJ?
James J Ferris High School is ranked #1915 out of 2,463 schools in NJ.
What is James J Ferris High School's MySchoolScout rating?
James J Ferris High School has a composite rating of 5.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at James J Ferris High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, James J Ferris High School has 7.9% math proficiency and 35.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is James J Ferris High School a charter school?
No, James J Ferris High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is James J Ferris High School a Title I school?
No, James J Ferris High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James J Ferris High School?
61.9% of students at James J Ferris High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,345
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 94
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 61.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Hudson County
- Phone
- (201) 915-6660
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Jersey City Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 26,293
- Schools in District
- 39
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $28,525
- District Rank
- #29 of 39
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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